Matthaus to become reality TV star

Matthaus, 50, appeared at five World Cups during a glittering playing career - triumphing with West Germany in 1990 and lifting the trophy as skipper.

Off the pitch, however, the ex-Bayern Munich and Inter Milan midfielder is renowned for having a turbulent love life and has been tabloid fodder in Germany for many years.

Now, Matthaus has decided to open up his personal life to further public scrutiny in a bid to "show people how I really am", with the six-to-eight-part reality TV show set to air in his homeland.

"The shower and bedroom are taboo and there won't be any sex scenes for sure," he explained to Bild. "But the cameras will be with me through all aspects which make up my life: my girlfriend Joanna, my children, my travels and my leisure time.

"I want to show people how I really am. Most people are only familiar with some of the headlines. I think there will be a lot of positive surprises for me."

Matthaus has struggled to transfer the outstanding success he enjoyed as a player into his managerial career, which has been thus far characterised by medicority duing spells with the likes of Hungary, Bulgaria and Red Bull Salzburg.